After receiving a filler injection, there are several precautions and activities that are typically advised against for a certain period of time to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some common guidelines:
- Avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated area: It’s essential to refrain from touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the injected area for at least the first 24 hours after treatment. This helps prevent the filler from shifting or becoming unevenly distributed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and activities that increase heart rate and blood pressure, should be avoided for the first 24 to 48 hours after filler injection. Exercise can increase blood flow to the injection site, potentially causing swelling or bruising.
- Avoid excessive heat: Exposure to excessive heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and direct sunlight, should be avoided for at least 24 to 48 hours after filler injection. Heat can increase blood flow to the area and exacerbate swelling and bruising.
- Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and swelling. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after filler injection.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements, such as blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin) and herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginkgo biloba, fish oil), can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements after filler injection.
- Avoid facial treatments: Refrain from undergoing facial treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments, for at least one to two weeks after filler injection. These treatments can potentially irritate the skin and interfere with the healing process.
- Follow post-treatment instructions: It’s crucial to follow any specific post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including the use of cold compresses, prescribed medications, and follow-up appointments.
Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized post-treatment instructions and advice based on your individual needs and the specific type of filler injected.
Where should you not put fillers?
While dermal fillers are commonly used to enhance various facial features and address signs of aging, there are specific areas where they should be used with caution or avoided altogether. Here are some areas where fillers may not be suitable or carry higher risks:
- Eyelids and Under Eyes: The delicate skin around the eyes is prone to swelling, bruising, and complications when injected with fillers. Using fillers in this area can also lead to irregularities or lumps, which may be challenging to correct.
- Temple Area: Injecting fillers into the temple area carries a risk of compression or injury to the superficial temporal artery, which could potentially lead to skin necrosis (tissue death) or vision problems if the filler obstructs blood flow.
- Between the Eyebrows (Glabellar Region): Fillers injected into the glabellar region, particularly near the frown lines, can increase the risk of vascular compromise due to the proximity of important blood vessels and nerves in this area.
- Nose (Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty): While fillers can be used for non-surgical nose reshaping, this procedure carries risks, especially if performed by inexperienced practitioners. Injection into the nose can obstruct blood flow and lead to tissue necrosis or even blindness if filler material enters the blood vessels.
- Lips and Mouth Area: While lip augmentation is a common use of fillers, excessive filler injection or improper technique can lead to overfilled or disproportionate lips, asymmetry, lumps, and complications such as vascular occlusion, which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.
- Forehead: Injecting fillers into the forehead can be challenging due to the risk of vascular compromise and irregularities. Care must be taken to avoid injecting into areas with prominent blood vessels or where nerves are close to the surface.
- Cheeks Near the Eyes: Injection of fillers too close to the lower eyelid margin or tear trough area can lead to complications such as swelling, lumps, or even migration of filler material into the eye socket.
- Scars or Areas of Infection: Injecting fillers into areas with existing scars or active infections can increase the risk of complications, including exacerbation of the infection or poor aesthetic outcomes.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced healthcare provider who can assess your individual anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment options while minimizing risks. Always prioritize safety and choose a provider who has extensive training and experience in administering dermal fillers.